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#Post#: 46585--------------------------------------------------
Game 24 vs. Monmouth: 2/5 @7:00 PM on SNY + FloHoops
By: Oakes Date: February 3, 2026, 1:51 pm
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Monmouth: 11-12 (5-5 in CAA), and 3-7 on the road
Notable Non Conference Wins -- Robert Morris, Princeton
Notable CAA wins: @ Towson, vs William and Mary, @ Campbell
Notable CAA Losses: Hofstra x2, vs Campbell, @ Drexel, @ Hampton
Monmouth's HC King Rice enters their 1st game of the season
against Stony Brook as a middle of the pack CAA team who is
anchored by the always tough-nosed Jack Collins and new leading
scorer Jason Rivera-Torres. They are as middle of the pack in
the CAA as much as it gets statistically except for their
ability to force turnovers and getting steals--- most of which
is generated by the two men mentioned above. Their 2-7 record on
the road is noteworthy as Stony Brook enters this matchup, but
don't rest on that alone because this team has beaten Stony
Brook in 3 of the last 4 meetings between these programs. The
returning core of Collins, Cornelius Robinson and Andrew Ball
likely feel comfortable playing at IFCU after their win last
season (albeit, against a weak Stony Brook roster.) I wouldn't
be surprised to see them show up looking more comfortable than
the typical 2-7 CAA team on the road.
Rivera-Torres was a huge get for Monmouth in the portal-- a 6'7"
wing who spent his freshman season at Vanderbilt and sophomore
season at San Francisco. He currently averages a team high 16
pts, 8 rb, 3 ast, 2 stl and 1 blk (but only connects on 28% from
three). Rivera-Torres is a big wing who can rebound better than
any wing in the conference and also leads the CAA in steals by a
wide margin. He scored a season high 30 pts in the team's loss
to Hofstra on January 10th and put up 26 pts vs NC A&T last
Thursday. Rivera-Torres is the straw that stirs the drink for
Monmouth's offense and could be a matchup nightmare with his
size.
In an injury that has become increasingly mentioned in Stony
Brook circles -- Monmouth has one to worry about of their own.
Starting PG Jack Collins, who is nearly as strong of an on-ball
defender as Rivera-Torres and leads the CAA with 6 ast per game,
has missed the last two games with what Rice confirmed was due
to a "slight meniscus tear." Rice told the Asbury Park Press
after Saturday's win that "Jack will play next game." Erik Pratt
has proven to play through it, but it will be interesting to see
if Collins will be slowed by the injury. The last game before
the injury on January 24th he put up a huge 17 pts, 6 rb, 9 ast
and 3 stl in a win over Campbell.
They also returned 6th Man Andrew Ball who put up 14 pts on 2/3
from deep in the win @IFCU last season. He really plays with
confidence and often goes forgotten by opposing defenses, but
after seemingly coming out of nowhere in last years game, I
would assume Geno has him circled when discussing Monmouth in
preparation for this game.
Justin Ray is a sophomore guard who has really taken off this
season in the starting lineup after being buried on the bench as
a freshman last year. He averages 12 pts, 2 rb and 1 ast on 40%
from three. Ray is the biggest deep threat on Monmouth's
roster-- while Collins and Robinson also present themselves as
threats from outside. He had a season high 27 pts and 7 threes
in their win over Northeastern last month and more recently put
up 24 pts on 5/8 from downtown vs Campbell. Dont leave him open.
Their center and true freshman Stefanos Spartalis is a solid
inside scorer, but struggles mightily on the glass. Perhaps the
team's biggest weakness is rebounding-- ranking 2nd to last in
the CAA this year.
--------------------------------
Stony Brook: 14-9 (6-4 in CAA Play) and 9-2 at IFCU (!)
Geno Ford must be feeling good these days-- especially after
taking so much heat for some down years, I am happy for him and
grateful for the team he has put together. He has these
Seawolves on a 5-0 winning streak, the first 5-game win streak
that didn't include a D-III give me game the program has had
since the 19-20 season (when they took down American, Norfolk
State, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire). The team is now tied
for 3rd in the CAA Standings. Plus, the win over Elon was also
his 100th win as HC of the Seawolves.
It was reassuring to see Stony Brook could win a game with the
rest of the roster while Pratt's poor shooting almost drowned
them. Pratt was really frustrated by a pesty and physical Elon
defense that held him to a (I cannot believe it) 1/16 from the
floor. I am sure Pratt will bounce back -- but I am also sure
every team in the CAA is watching film on the way Elon guarded
him. If he has a rough game or two, lets not get too worried.
Pratt will figure it out. Whether its Pitino with RJ Luis last
year or Geno with Pratt this year -- I get it, you ride with
your guy. But I think Pratt should reevaluate his strategy when
he is being doubled and getting frustrated to focus on passing
more/looking for the open man when a team is all over him. I
suspect he and Rivera-Torres are about to collide and should be
the matchup to watch.
Another matchup to watch will be Andrej Shoshkikj vs. Jack
Collins. Andrej has been red hot. There were two stretches of
games earlier this year where he scored under 10 points four
games in a row. But Andrej has really figured it out-- and he
does not force any bad shots which is great to see. He is
averaging 18 pts and 4 ast while draining 17/30 (57%) from three
during Stony Brook's 5-game win streak. Its getting to the point
where you have to start thinking just how strong of a season he
is having from three. Andrej is only averaging 9 pts this year
because of the inconsistent start he had in the 1st half of the
season -- but he's looking like Lucas Woodhouse from outside. He
is shooting 48% from three this season -- while Woodhouse
knocked down 45% as the 6th Man in 15-16 and 46% when he became
the starter in 16-17. There is a long way to go in the season,
but so far so good for the internationally battle-tested
freshman. Can he keep it up with Collins chasing him around?
Rob Brown bounced back with 17 pts and 5 threes in the win over
Elon after two low production games vs Northeastern and
Campbell. He should continue to get more open looks vs Monmouth
while Rivera-Torres and Collins are focused on Pratt and
Shoshkikj.
Goods wasn't in Geno's starting lineup for the first time in a
while vs Elon. I suspect he will be back in the starting lineup
in this one and look to bounce back vs a Monmouth team that
doesnt have much size. He's been known to have his ups and
downs, but that's nothing a signature Goods highlight dunk can't
fix to get his mind right. I suspect Cornelius Robinson should
guard him most of the night, which is another matchup to
monitor.
But Quinn Gorman deserves a lot of praise for his defensive
effort vs CAA heavyweight Chandler Cuthrell inside. Gorman put
together his best game of the season with strong defense and
hustle on the glass. He could continue to play a big role in
this game vs a weak rebounding Monmouth team.
Ethan Simmon has also continued to contribute at a high clip
from three -- hitting 11/19 (58%) from deep in the last four
games. As I have said multiple times in the last few weeks --
this is undoubtedly one of the most well rounded offenses in the
league. It was great to hear it from Elon's HC Billy Taylor in
his pre-halftime interview: "Look, this is the best three-point
shooting team in the conference." He is not joking. The
Seawolves currently sit tied for 1st in 3PT FGM this year with
Hofstra-- most of which are being generated from Brown, Pratt,
Andrej and Goods. But the more those four occupy opponent's
defenses, the more open looks Simmon, Valentiny and hopefully
Butler will continue to get.
------------------------------------
It certainly feels nice to come back to your home arena on a
5-game win streak and having swept a road trip to play a two
game homestand vs non CAA title threatening programs. But there
are more trip wires for this team to avoid still. Stony Brook
faces a Monmouth team that has somewhat had their number in
recent years and has guys who feel comfortable in this building.
Whether they are 2-7 on the road or not, I fully expect King
Rice's team to play Stony Brook tough. If Stony Brook can combat
Monmouth's physicality and continue to stay hot from three --
they should be able to turn the page on this team after they ran
us out of the gym in both meetings last year.
Don't sleep on this Monmouth team -- there is a winning streak
to extend.
Go Seawolves.
#Post#: 46586--------------------------------------------------
Re: Game 24 vs. Monmouth: 2/5 @7:00 PM on SNY + FloHoops
By: SBU03 Date: February 3, 2026, 4:59 pm
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Hope they keep the streak going ... Especially since I hope to
bring the family to Saturday's game vs Northeastern...would be
nice to go to that game still riding a winning streak!
#Post#: 46587--------------------------------------------------
Re: Game 24 vs. Monmouth: 2/5 @7:00 PM on SNY + FloHoops
By: Moveitfred Date: February 3, 2026, 6:06 pm
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I've been away pretty much the entire month, last game I saw was
the uninspiring A&T win, so nice to return to see this win
streak and seemingly new team. Will be back at the arena this
Thursday hoping for continued good results.
#Post#: 46588--------------------------------------------------
Re: Game 24 vs. Monmouth: 2/5 @7:00 PM on SNY + FloHoops
By: OldSeawolf Date: February 4, 2026, 10:02 am
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One game at a time. Don't look too far ahead. Keep the streak
going!
#Post#: 46589--------------------------------------------------
Re: Game 24 vs. Monmouth: 2/5 @7:00 PM on SNY + FloHoops
By: VoiceofthePeople Date: February 4, 2026, 12:57 pm
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The Voice of the People will be doing a space on Twitter
Thursday after the Monmouth vs Stony Brook Presser and we will
be joined by Mid Madness Reporter Riley Frain on X/Twitter. Feel
Free to come on and talk Stony Brook Basketball!!!!
#Post#: 46590--------------------------------------------------
Re: Game 24 vs. Monmouth: 2/5 @7:00 PM on SNY + FloHoops
By: ecasadoSBU Date: February 4, 2026, 2:21 pm
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[quote author=VoiceofthePeople link=topic=1222.msg46589#msg46589
date=1770231439]
The Voice of the People will be doing a space on Twitter
Thursday after the Monmouth vs Stony Brook Presser and we will
be joined by Mid Madness Reporter Riley Frain on X/Twitter. Feel
Free to come on and talk Stony Brook Basketball!!!!
[/quote]
Thanks!
I really hope we can extend this to six!
#Post#: 46592--------------------------------------------------
Re: Game 24 vs. Monmouth: 2/5 @7:00 PM on SNY + FloHoops
By: Oakes Date: February 5, 2026, 6:20 pm
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Oleg with multiple turnovers and multiple missed rebounds that
should have easily been his in the first few minutes. Single
handily put Stony Brook down early to open this game.
Now Monmouth is feeling extra confident after that start.
Doesn’t help stony Brook is rushing a lot of shots .
Very ugly start.
#Post#: 46593--------------------------------------------------
Re: Game 24 vs. Monmouth: 2/5 @7:00 PM on SNY + FloHoops
By: Oakes Date: February 5, 2026, 8:07 pm
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Agonizing loss. These games happen though. Credit is deserved
for the tough defense Monmouth played. Despite Oleg’s atrocious
minutes to open the game that let them pull away early— and all
the turnovers— AND the horrible looks whenever we got within a
basket…….. this was a one point loss.
It hurts. But it’s one loss. By one point.
Time to take some anger out on Northeastern Saturday.
#Post#: 46594--------------------------------------------------
Re: Game 24 vs. Monmouth: 2/5 @7:00 PM on SNY + FloHoops
By: ecasadoSBU Date: February 6, 2026, 8:23 am
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We got ourselves in too deep of a hole in the 1st half. Respect
for not giving up and fighting back. Unfortunate turnover late
when we had a chance to tie. Monmouth has dominated us the past
several games. That's a program that we should routine beat. oh
well...
---->
This game brought me a somewhat unpleasant memory of my senior
year: I remember waking up to watch Stony Brook @ Monmouth at
6AM. I lived in Langmuir College (H-Quad) back then. The ESPN
24-hour college marathon was such an awesome memorable event but
we lost that game in a heart-breaker by 2 points.
That same year I traveled on the fan bus to Agganis Arena
(Boston U) only to get our hearts broken on another 2pt game in
the AE Championship Game. That was a year of a lot expectations
until our leader Tommy Brenton had a season ending injury.
I also attended the season opener at the Gampel Pavillion
(Connecticut) that year with my then UConn girlfriend. They blew
us out and the UConn crowd bullied me all game (it was worth it.
I married the girl). LOL. That team would go on to win the
National Championship.
Its pretty crazy how time flies. I miss those wild, fun
collegiate days...
#Post#: 46595--------------------------------------------------
Re: Game 24 vs. Monmouth: 2/5 @7:00 PM on SNY + FloHoops
By: Oakes Date: February 6, 2026, 9:35 am
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[quote author=ecasadoSBU link=topic=1222.msg46594#msg46594
date=1770387826]
We got ourselves in too deep of a hole in the 1st half. Respect
for not giving up and fighting back. Unfortunate turnover late
when we had a chance to tie. Monmouth has dominated us the past
several games. That's a program that we should routine beat. oh
well...
---->
This game brought me a somewhat unpleasant memory of my senior
year: I remember waking up to watch Stony Brook @ Monmouth at
6AM. I lived in Langmuir College (H-Quad) back then. The ESPN
24-hour college marathon was such an awesome memorable event but
we lost that game in a heart-breaker by 2 points.
That same year I traveled on the fan bus to Agganis Arena
(Boston U) only to get our hearts broken on another 2pt game in
the AE Championship Game. That was a year of a lot expectations
until our leader Tommy Brenton had a season ending injury.
I also attended the season opener at the Gampel Pavillion
(Connecticut) that year with my then UConn girlfriend. They blew
us out and the UConn crowd bullied me all game (it was worth it.
I married the girl). LOL. That team would go on to win the
National Championship.
Its pretty crazy how time flies. I miss those wild, fun
collegiate days...
[/quote]
Yes. Credit to the guys for really showing heart and fighting
back after being down 13-15. While of course there were some
sloppy plays at the end that could have been better executed ---
with a stronger start (Goods not getting fouls early and Oleg's
horrific few minutes that lead to so many Monmouth buckets that
gave them an early 16-7 lead) our guys wouldnt have had to be
put in the situation they were in, playing catch up down the
stretch. So while it would have been nice for Brown to not go
1/10 from the floor and for them to have hit another shot or two
late --- I really put this one point loss entirely on the
Oleg/Goods fiasco to open the game which allowed Monmouth to
pull away early and feel very loose/comfortable. Just very
frustrating few sequences there. But this team will live to
fight another day.
And their PG Kavion McClain, a starter for Abilene Christian
last season who hasn't played at all this season because of
being in limbo due to a federal indictment charge, coming out of
nowhere to play last night didnt do Stony Brook any favors.
That aside (woooh, such a painful loss...),
Great story ecasado! I love getting an idea of what era of Stony
Brook Basketball all you forum members are from. But thats a
great origin story. That must of been the Ben Gordon/Emeka
Okafor Huskies in 03-04? What a cool game to attend! I've heard
whispers of a rematch in the making next season.... shhh
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